Happy Friday!  This past week has allowed me the opportunity to meet with the Town Engineers and be brought up to date on our current projects.  We have also had visits from our Connecticut Council of Municipalities and State Department of Emergency Services representatives.  Both organizations provide the Town of Old Lyme with valuable services throughout the year. 

Selectwoman Jude Read and I were on hand to welcome the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries new freezer truck this afternoon at Grace Episcopal Church in Old Saybrook. Old Lyme, along with surrounding shoreline towns contributed ARPA money to help fund the purchase.

The Town Departments are busy finalizing their budgets for fiscal year 2024/2025. Our budget reviews will take place in January and meetings will be advertised in our newsletter on December 29^th.

Eversource has begun their selective tree trimming (along designated roads). Please be mindful as you drive by their work crews. 

It is inspiring how much of the Town's government is dependent on the dedicated volunteers (over 240!) that sit on our Boards, Commissions and Committees. If you are interested in joining a Board or Commission, I encourage you to go to a meeting and see first hand how you might contribute. Annual appointments will take place in January at the Board of Selectmen's regular meeting. If you are interested in serving please fill out the application for consideration and submit it by December 27^th. 

Reminder: The Town of Old Lyme Citizen of the Year nomination form can be found on the Selectman's Office page, please have your nominations in by December 21^st.

Please note we will be having a Special Board of Selectmen Meeting on Monday, December 18^th at 3:00PM. Including

The highlight of my week was to attend the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments meeting on Wednesday.  Senator Murphy’s Outreach Assistant, Erin McBride (see photo below) was also in attendance.  Erin was in my 4^th grade class many years ago.  It is so nice to reconnect with former students who are making positive changes in the world.

All the Best,

First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker